Interviews: PvP Interview with Sarah Levantine

Tell us the origins of the Private Instanced PvP Match system you are bringing to the game.

Sarah Levantine:

Many new features and content updates are planned for Battlestar Galactica Online; the addition of private PvP matches is something we have been eager to get into the game since launch in February. There are two types of matches, ranked battles and direct duels.

In Ranked matches, the game's matchmaking system will help pair players of similar Arena rating, ship size, and class, and let them battle it out in their own private piece of space.

Ranked matches enable pilots to determine who is the "Top Gun" on each server, and recognize the Top 100 on the Top Gun Leaderboard with special icons above their pilot and ship name.

Alternatively, players who wish to compete against other pilots of any faction (including their own), rating, ship size, or class can engage in 1v1 Duel matches, though no rewards or changes in rating will occur after winning/losing a match.

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MMORPG.com:

How will players be able to access the system?

Sarah Levantine:

To join a ranked battle, players simply click a button on the top-right of the game screen - Arena Window - and then click "find match." Our match-making system will find the most balanced opponent for them automatically. Once found, both players are transported to their own private instance where they battle to the finish.

If you want to duel a particular player, you just target them, then right-click on their Target Info box and select "Duel." If the challenged player accepts, you will both be placed in the Arena. Note that players actively involved in combat cannot accept Duel requests.

MMORPG.com:

What is it about the instanced matches that you think appeals to players?

Sarah Levantine:

At its core, BSGO is a space combat game. The instanced matches give players the opportunity to hone their dog-fighting skills and prove their superiority, one-on-one.

MMORPG.com:

Will there be some kind of leader boards or tournament system?

Sarah Levantine:

Leaderboards have already been implemented to track players who wish to compete in the PvP battles. On each server, players are duking it out right now for the title of "Top Gun." Those who rank highest in ranked matches (top 100 in the leaderboard) show off their skills with a special icon displayed above their pilot name in-game.

MMORPG.com:

What tactics would you recommend for PvP to new players?

Sarah Levantine:

Hit hard, and hit fast. Don't worry if you don't win your first few matches. It takes practice and experience to achieve success in this game. Focus on building up your ships and skills. If PvP is most interesting to you, focus on fast combat-oriented ships like the strike- and escort-class ships. Of course, more veteran players might find that the line ships are the best option. It really depends on the player and the style of gameplay they're most comfortable with.

MMORPG.com:

When will the system be available?

Sarah Levantine:

One-on-one ranked battles and duels are both available now - they literally just went live a day ago.

MMORPG.com:

What is something about the PvP system that you are really excited about for players?

Sarah Levantine:

The game is evolving. We're excited to see how successful this new feature is and eager to introduce more content in the coming weeks and months. Because of the award system, we're excited to see how quickly players climb the ranks and what the uber effect will be on ship design and gameplay.